Tuesday, December 12, 2017

My
grandfather liked to quote the above saying from time to time, but I never
really understood the true meaning of that sentiment until I became an adult.
Even now it can still sometimes be tough to find a positive aspect to a
difficult or challenging situation after the fact, let alone at the time it is
going on. However, it is this ability to see the “bright side” or even find a
hidden blessing in misfortune that increases our courage, fortitude and ability
to handle or even avoid a similar situation in the future.

Hypnosis Motivation Institute
founder John Kappas, Ph.D.
often advised people to “turn it around!”
when they were faced with an uncomfortable or difficult situation. Rather than
focus on the unpleasant details or challenges you might be experiencing at the
moment, look for a positive aspect/redeeming quality or lesson that could be
learned from it. If you have a misunderstanding with a family member or even a
colleague at work, consider what circumstances led up to the argument. Perhaps
you or the other person misunderstood the meaning or intent behind something
that was said. The lesson or “gift” of that experience would be that in the
future, you would be more thoughtful and careful about what and how you
communicated a thought or idea. You would also understand that it might be
prudent to ask questions and clarify the meaning of what you believe you heard
or saw before making any judgment about an incident.

But
the greatest benefit of considering the present as a true gift is that you can
approach each new day and situation with appreciation for the opportunities,
wisdom and pleasure the experience can offer. The subconscious mind may try to
challenge this more carefree, appreciative perspective about the unknown with
cautionary memories about a similar situation that may not have worked out. You
may even experience uncomfortable physiological symptoms of anxiety that are
further exacerbated by a sudden drop in blood-sugar level if
you happen to be hungry at the time. But this reaction is merely the
subconscious mind’s reference to a previous subconscious
mental script that likes and wants to attach old meanings to a
new experience. No matter how many similarities exist between those experiences
to make the outcome somewhat predictable, each one is inherently unique and
therefore deserves to be enjoyed and appreciated for what it is: A gift.